Adjika Cottage Pie

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming plate of cottage pie on a chilly evening. But what if you could take this British classic and give it a bold, flavourful twist? Enter adjika, the fiery Georgian chilli and garlic paste that transforms simple dishes into unforgettable culinary experiences.

In this fusion recipe, we’ll show you how to incorporate adjika into a traditional cottage pie, adding warmth and depth that’s perfect for January’s cold nights.

Recipe: Adjika Cottage Pie

Serves: 4-6

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery sticks, diced

• 500g minced beef (or lentils for a vegetarian option)

• 2 tbsp adjika

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 250ml beef or vegetable stock

• 1 cup frozen peas

For the mash:

• 1kg potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 50g butter

• 100ml milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

3. Add the minced beef and cook until browned.

4. Stir in the adjika, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and stock. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the peas in the last 5 minutes.

5. While the filling simmers, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain, then mash with butter and milk until smooth.

6. Spoon the meat mixture into an ovenproof dish and top with the mashed potatoes, spreading evenly. Use a fork to create a pattern on the surface.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

8. Serve with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.

This adjika-infused cottage pie is the perfect example of how two culinary traditions can come together to create something truly special. The richness of the beef (or lentils to make a veggie version) combined with the fiery, aromatic kick of adjika makes this dish a must-try for your January dinner table.

Ready to add a Georgian twist to your meals? Grab a jar of adjika and get cooking!